I Knew You Were Waiting For Me: What Song Inspires You When Life at the Lowest?

How was your February? Did you accomplish all your goals? Or, did you have a rough month?

They say that January is one of the most depressive or happiest month or oneself. I would classify February the same way too. Although in February, you get more precise about your New Years’ goals and learn from the failures from January. Was February a happy month for you or was it a sad one?

(Warning; This is a long post that is divided into three pages. Music is on the third page;)

Another Hard Month

I don’t post about my personal life here on the blog or anywhere on social media. I am not afraid of sharing my story, but I don’t want people to get the wrong impression about my story. And also, I don’t want to be seen as needy, clingy, or emotionally unstable if I post my sob story on social media.

Last Friday.

6:10 pm.

I left work in tears. I had a bad day as I was sick from a head cold (thanks, early spring allergies?) and the onset of my period. I should have stayed home because when I woke up that morning, I was too tired to do anything. I was also on pain killers and colds, which naturally makes me sleepy. Like, do you have those days where you are so drained and tired that you forgot parts of your day? That was Friday for me. I couldn’t recall the actions I took or some parts of the day.

I also feel pretty lonely. Like I started feeling this way when I had the flu last month. But, it wasn’t the typically home-sick loneliness, I never experience that. It was that loneliness when you feel when no one is there to support you, physically or emotionally. When I was sick with the flu, I cried because I had no one to buy me orange juice, the only thing I wanted that night.

I also feel lonely because no one supports me. I feel like people around me are negative recently. I have been trying to scale back some activities and even quitting organizations that I am in charge of so I can focus on making this blog more public and getting something out it financially. Also, I have been trying to find a Japanese job for the longest time. But, people are like “You are never going to get one because you are the outsider. They will not take you.” Even though, I am fluent in Japanese. I don’t have the skills that they are looking fおr: IT, engineer, science, computers, etc.

I am also tired of the demands of my job. And, the hours that I have to put in for a minimal paycheck. I get only a 45-minute break for lunch for a nine-hour workday where most of it is about teaching. And since I teach preschool, I have either stay after work (which I can never do because I have something after work) or do it during my lunch time if I want to prep lessons.

Because I make very little and have high bills due to making a mistake on my tax forms last year, I am barely surviving. And, it isn’t making my dad happy. He is pressuring me to come back to the US and find a better job because the economy is excellent again. But, as much as I like the US, I have called Japan home for the past seven years and love it here. It teaches me to live simply here. Though I am the outsider, I like it here.

This Post Has 66 Comments

Thanks for sharing this post, it’s important to talk about the rubbish days as well as the brilliant ones. I feel like I’m only just starting to get into a routine in the new year, I felt totally unsettled for January and most of February! Sometimes, the only person who believes in you, is you. Which is pessimistic, but you can control what you do, you can’t with others. Might take longer without support from other people, but you can still get there. You’ve got this! 💪

Life has taught me a lot over the years, I discovered that having a lot of friends and no one when it really matters is nonsense. When am at the lowest point in my life I have my good friend who will call and just by the sound of my voice he knows how i feel. we will sit down somewhere, talk all night till am tired. After that, I feel good about myself and with his encouraging words, I go out again to hustle.

It really is amazing how much life can change and so fast! I understand what it is like being home sick and just feeling SO lonely. I do hope you are feeling better and feeling less lonely. To be honest with you, I do not know much about Japan, but I do live in the US and it has been a mess lately. This is just being talking solely based on my frustrations with the US, I would stay where you are in Japan. I can’t imagine it is any crazier or upsetting. I am looking forward to reading more of your posts and I hope if you have time, you will check out my site. Even though I live with Multiple Sclerosis which causes a lot of pain, I do the best I can to spread as much positivity as I can! I hope you had a nice weekend and I hope the next week is great!! Take Care!!

Life can change in an instant, and I hope you have better days ahead. Enjoyed your selections – what I like about your blog is the music flavor you bring us of other cultures. Of the two songs by Asian artists, I liked both, but especially Makenaide – I looked up the English translation of the lyrics. The musical intro sounded vaguely familiar somehow – to me, it had a nice 80’s sound. Have a good week!

Well, AMY, since you asked…
This is my personal fight song:
By the time that take-no-prisoners electric guitar kicks in (at about 2:33), I am seriously ready to kick some butt!
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVoDULF4sAM)
And then, in times of greater reflection, I go back to what I consider the greatest vocal performance of all time. Make no mistake about it: that wasn’t really Mahalia Jackson singing; that was The Holy Spirit of God singing *THROUGH* Mahalia. She was just the instrument The Spirit was using. You can even see It flashing out of her eyes. And at about the 4:05 mark, Mahalia is hardly even there at all anymore, because The Holy Spirit is the Principal Force of the song:
Everything that every one of us really needs to know is found here, in these 5 very short chapters:https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+John+1-5&version=NLT
~ D-FensDogG

Amy,
Excellent theme choice for ‘your song choice’ week! Mewsic is my go-to when I’m feeling down. Depending on the situation, but generally reminding myself of God’s love pulls me out of any ole slump faster than anything. My heart always dials back to the day when I went to a little country church and one of the hymns often sung by the congregation was ‘Love Lifted Me’. My parents listened to The Statler Brothers a lot when I was a kid, so I found them singing this old hymnal.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LGgMmakXUU0&w=560&h=315%5D
Another song that does my heart good is Amy Grant’s ‘El Shaddai’.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6S8W2l3Qtc&w=560&h=315%5D
Like Stephen, my strength comes from the Lord in good and the not-so-good times of my life. 🙂
You shared some beautiful oldies with ‘Aint No Mountain High Enough’ and ‘What A Wonderful World’. These are furtastic songs to motivate a person. Thanks for sharing and hitting the dance floor with the 4M gang. Have a boogietastic week, my dear. 😘 BTW, did I ever tell you my very first pen friend was from Japan?

Aww im sorry youre dealing with these. Its okay to vent ot out. Its hard to be a teacher when they need you but just know you are teaching the future. On the otherhand, make time for yourself and reevaluate. Its all about you!

Ugh, sounds like a rough day. I’ve had those, too, and find music to be helpful. Sometimes I want upbeat songs to lift me out of a mood and others I like the slow depressing songs to just match my mood.

**virtual hugs** hang in there! Sometimes I think it helps to say it out loud, or on paper, just to get those feelings out. It’s so important to be kind because we never know what someone is dealing with. My go to when I’m having a bad day is to watch a “friends” rerun- the theme song always works for me. “When it hasn’t been your day, week, month, or even your yeaaaar, I’ll be there for you.”

Sorry to hear about your current situation but this too shall pass. I’ve been there a few times–even quite recently. Often in my down times I prefer silence to music. Maybe that’s because when I am most down I get most inspired to write my own songs so I need that silence in order to create new music.
I don’t guess I have any particular song that helps me through troubled times. Typically I might turn more to classical music to play background to my moods. Music can be a great comforter as well as an uplifting force, but sometimes the music comes through the silence, that music being the sounds of life outside my doors.
Arlee BirdTossing It Out

Being a teacher is a great profession, but you do give a lot of yourself. I am sorry you are having a hard time. Keep trying different things to help you manage. I don’t know if you believe in prayer, but turning to God makes a big difference. He gives great comfort and wisdom on the next steps.

1986 duet by George Michael and Aretha Franklin, “I Knew You Were Waiting (For Me). Holy Cow, I didn’t know they did a duet together I only knew of one that she did & I believe that was with Lionel Richie & they were both quite young, but I truly love this one! I can’t give you anything on a song I cannot understand, but love Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell in Ain’t no Mountain High Enough truly love that tune. Now we could be here all day if I go one by one all I can say is I enjoyed myself immensely today at your blog. Thanks for joining us. Truly great selections.

Everything is still expensive here in the US. If there’s one thing I miss teaching in Indonesia is that I got my full salary. The school pays for the tax, my apartment and bills, and I only take care of my grocery. Hope you’re feeling better!

Sorry people around you are being a negative Nancy! Money-wise, perhaps you can find a side hustle? If you can search for it online, there are companies that hire teachers to teach English online. As for a song for when I feel irritated and sad (mostly because of my work environment), I like to listen to Queen’s “I Want To Break Free” 🙂 https://youtu.be/DH8q2ifO3pI

Having bad days is just how it goes, don’t stress about it too much, everything can be worked out, if you enjoy Japan, and the life there you will find out a way to make it work, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that next month is way better, don’t give up 😀

You are awesome! There’s no reason to be lonely. I agree there are times we feel very lonely and low but always remember, it shall pass. Appreciate every little thing so you’ll feel blessed and happy. And yes, in times like these, music is the healer.

Hey there, I have been a long follower of your blog and your battle of such great bands! In so many days you have cheered me up with difficult bands to choose from, so I hope today in your not so fantastic day… I can also cheer you up even by a little bit! Virtual hugs coming your way, and oh when I am sad I normally belt out (LOL) Daniel Powter’s “Bad Day”. All is well.

HiYa, AMY. I’m back with another one for ya! My Brother just directed me to this song, and I had the thought that perhaps you could use it right now as well:
Zach Williams – ‘FEAR IS A LIAR’
What is fear? Fear = F.alse E.vidence A.ppearing R.eal
What is Real? Real = R.eal E.ternal A.lmighty L.ove
~ D-FensDogG

Music is one of my favorite things for helping me getting out of my head. When I have those crappy days or need a little boost of energy, putting on my favorites songs, whether from my childhood or today always lifts my spirits.

I’m really sorry to hear that your 2019 isn’t off to the best start, but I hope you remember that that doesn’t mean the whole year has to be bad. Hopefully things start to balance out for you soon, because you deserve to spend every day happy!

There is nothing wrong with scaling back and focusing on yourself and making sure that you are keeping positivity around you. When I am down I occasionally listen to sad music but for the most part I find something I can dance it out to

That is a beautiful choice! So, I’m weird. When I’m feeling down and lonely, I listen to soothing, calm, sad music… it makes me feel all the feels. It’s ok to feel. So, typically Phoebe Bridgers, Daughter, Bon Iver are my go-tos but then I have a dance party after with upbeat music.

Oh, I see how you were feeling on Friday, is exactly how I’m feeling today, sick, head cold, and my period is about to start (plus I have endometriosis and the pain drains me). Yep, definitely not the best moment to make great debates about life. I am an expat myself, I live in Switzerland. I can relate about the negative vibe of people surrounding me. Get rid of that people and find other people. I couldn’t find the job I wanted, so I invented one I liked! That’s how I work, if I can find it, I make it myself…
oh, and I don’t listen much to music when I’m low… i prefer to read or go out with friends.

Hang in there! I’m sure it was therapeutic just to get some of the feelings out, but keep working hard and doing whatever makes YOU happy. I’m finally learning that my decisions are for MY life. I also agree that music is so inspirational and can pull you out of so many funks or emotions. It’s my go-to pick-me-up!

I am sorry to hear things have been tough for you lately. I have been struggling as well. I am still getting adjusted to a big move that we made a few months ago. I have been feeling low and feeling like an outsider as well. Songs that inspire me are any song that falls in the Christian music category. I hope things get better for you soon!

I’m sorry you’re having a rough time – this too shall pass. Hang in there, the year is still young, you have plenty of time to bounce back. I love listening to music when I’m feeling down – it always seems to perk me back up! Thanks for the introduction to that song, and for the dance! 🙂

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